Chiefs Make Big WR Move to End Week 1 of Free Agency

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The Kansas City Chiefs had their share of departures to kick off the 2025 offseason. Following the shocking decision to trade Joe Thuney, the Chiefs lost Justin Reid and Tershawn Wharton in the first week of free agency. Instead, they used their resources on CB Kristian Fulton, RB Elijah Mitchell, and OL Jaylon Moore. The Chiefs still have a few key contributors from last season they need to make a decision on.

On Saturday, they agreed on a contract with one of them. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is returning to Kansas City, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

NFL News: Chiefs Re-Sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster is the second wide receiver the Chiefs re-signed this offseason. Last week, the Chiefs decided to bring back Hollywood Brown after the veteran playmaker missed most of last season with an injury. Smith-Schuster will continue to be a nice WR4 option behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Brown to start the season.

In his second stint in Kansas City, Smith-Schuster had a bounce-back campaign. Following the 2022 season that ended with his first Super Bowl ring, the veteran WR had signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Patriots. Things didn't work out for him in New England, as he had the worst season of his career. Upon his release after one year, Smith-Schuster signed with the Chiefs last offseason and finished with 18 catches, 231 yards, and two touchdowns. He added four catches for 76 yards in the postseason.

He is obviously not the same Pro Bowl receiver he was earlier in his career, but Smith-Schuster is still a solid big-play threat that adds a different dimension to the Chiefs offense. Plus, he has a rapport with Patrick Mahomes and knows the team well. Instead of taking a risk with an external free agent, it makes a ton of sense for GM Brett Veach to bring back a familiar face.

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